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Number of Houthi Mine Victims in Yemen Increases

Houthi mines removed and destroyed through the Saudi MASAM project (Yemeni military media)
Houthi mines removed and destroyed through the Saudi MASAM project (Yemeni military media)
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Number of Houthi Mine Victims in Yemen Increases

Houthi mines removed and destroyed through the Saudi MASAM project (Yemeni military media)
Houthi mines removed and destroyed through the Saudi MASAM project (Yemeni military media)

The casualties of landmines planted randomly by Houthi militias have increased by 30 percent in Feb. compared to the same period last year, a report by the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) showed.

Data published by an independent Yemeni organization also showed that 42 people were killed and 61 were wounded from landmines in six weeks, since the beginning of the new year.

In February 2023, UNMHA recorded 21 civilian casualties due to landmines and ERW incidents, a 30 percent increase compared to February 2022 (16) and a nine percent decrease compared to January 2023 (23).

This includes nine civilians injured (five children) and 12 killed (one woman killed and six children killed). The casualties were distributed across the Al Garrahi, Al Hali, Ad Durayhimi, Bayt Al Faqih, At Tuhayta, and Hays districts.

"Hodeidah Governorate remains the most landmine and ERW-impacted governorate in Yemen. Freedom of movement and livelihood activities of the local population has been restricted due to the risk of landmines and ERW."

"UNMHA continues to advocate for urgent humanitarian mine action and international support to demining efforts in the governorate."

The Yemeni Landmine Records documented the death of 42 and the injury of 61 between January and mid-February in nine Yemeni provinces.

Three children were killed in Hais by a landmine planted by the militias on a football field. This incident reveals that the Houthis' use of mines "was never for military purposes but to paralyze public life".

The Houthis have planted landmines in schools and agricultural areas and even around water sources, added the report.

The Yemen Executive Mine Action Center (YEMAC) - Taiz - documented 17 deaths and 20 casualties of women out of 1,222 victims of the landmines planted by the Houthis between 2017 and Feb. 2023.

YEMAC revealed that the stories of women about landmines “break the heart”.

The Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance in Yemen (MASAM) announced removing during the first week of March 880 landmines planted by the Houthi militias across Yemen. 

They were distributed as follows: 677 unexploded ordnance, two explosive devices, 198 anti-tank mines, and three anti-personnel mines.

Since its launch, MASAM has removed 390,586 mines randomly planted by the Houthi militias.

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Arab World

Lebanon: Aoun Says No Solution for Israel’s Violations Except Through Diplomacy

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
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Lebanon: Aoun Says No Solution for Israel’s Violations Except Through Diplomacy

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated commitment to dialogue to address Lebanon’s long-standing dispute with Israel’s violation and occupation in south Lebanon, saying that it can only be addressed through “diplomacy”.
He reiterated "the importance of diplomatic solutions in resolving conflicts, as the Lebanese people have grown weary of wars”, a Presidency statement quoted Aoun as saying on Friday.
Aoun’s remarks come amid support from the Higher Islamic Shiite Council for his approach to address the issue of Hezbollah’s arms through dialogue.
“Diplomatic efforts may not yield immediate results, but we are working daily with international parties, away from the media spotlight, to achieve the desired outcome”, said Aoun during his visit to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council.
The Lebanese president’s comments come amid heated political debate over the future of Hezbollah’s weapons and the call to centralize arms under state authority. Last week, Aoun reiterated his determination to make sure the state has a monopoly over weapons.

Aoun’s strategy to address the issue of Hezbollah’s arms garnered the support of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council. “Let the issue be addressed through calm dialogue away from media and political exploitations. Let the decision be a unifying national one away from submissions to external demands”, said Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, vice-president of the Higher Shiite Council.
Aoun had earlier reaffirmed that communication between the presidency and Hezbollah remains active, with tangible results on the ground.

He also highlighted that he and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri are in agreement on all matters, particularly the goal of placing weapons solely under the control of the state.

Disarming Hezbollah has emerged as a key condition in ongoing discussions surrounding Israel’s potential withdrawal from the remaining five disputed points it occupies in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have linked any pullout to assurances that Hezbollah’s military presence near the border will be curbed, citing security concerns.

For its part, Lebanon maintains that full Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for lasting stability, but internal divisions over Hezbollah’s role complicate negotiations. While President Joseph Aoun and others advocate for addressing the group’s arms through national dialogue, critics warn that tying disarmament to Israeli withdrawal risks prolonging the deadlock.